Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 32.djvu/352

 340 Southern Historical Society Papers.

Davis occupied casemate No. 2; Mr. Clay, No. 4; Nos. i, 3 and 5 were occupied by guards of soldiers. A lamp was kept constantly burning in each of the prisoners' rooms. The furniture of each prisoner was a hospital bed with iron bedstead, a stool, table and a movable stool closet. A Bible was allowed each, and afterwards a prayer-book and tobacco were added.

These regulations must have been directed or supervised by C. A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War, who was present, for he says: " I have not given orders to have them placed in irons, as General Halleck seemed opposed to it; but General Miles is instructed to have fetters ready if he thinks them necessary."

On the 24th of May, 1865, Miles reported to Dana: "* * Yesterday I directed that irons be put on Davis' ankles, which he violently resisted, but became more quiet afterward. His hands are unencumbered ' '

These fetters remained on five days, although Dr. Craven urged their removal, because the irritation caused by the chains was coun- terpoising whatever medicine he might give the sick captive.

FOR HUMILIATION ONLY.

It appears to us that the object of Dana and Miles, in chaining the feet of President Davis, under the poor pretext of rendering imprisonment more secure, was to humiliate not only the prisoner, but the people of the whole South, and to them the names of Dana and Miles will be ever linked with the infamy. Whenever they are mentioned, feelings akin to those aroused at the name of Cali- gula will fire the breasts of the proud descendants of the people of the conquered nation; and the act of chaining President Davis will be hated wherever honor lives.

On the 28th day of May, 1865, Secretary Stanton required Miles to report " whether irons have or have not been placed on Jefferson Davis. If they have been, when it was done, and for what reason, and remove them." Miles replied: " * * that when Jeff Davis was first confined in the casemate the inner doors were light wooden ones, without locks. I directed anklets to be put upon his ankles, which would not interfere with his walking, but would prevent his running, should he endeavor to escape. In the meantime I have changed the wooden doors for grated ones with locks, and the ank- lets have been removed. Every care is taken to avoid any pretence of complaint, as well as to prevent the possibility of his escape."